I hate traveling alone, but that is what this job entails. The glamorous life of an executive: jet-setting hither and yon, putting out fires at each corporate office, living out of a suitcase for weeks at a time. This week, I've been stationed in Taiwan. I didn't want the same old experience I had the last time I was here. You know...catching up on reading and/or episodes of my favorite shows; ordering room service; the usual boring stuff.
I was checking in when he caught my eye. He was standing behind the counter greeting guests as they walked by. I almost said something to him, but I decided against it. That's when he saw me.
"Excuse me, miss. Would you like some brochures featuring our local events and festivals going on this week?"
I didn't know how to respond. I just stared and slowly shook my head. "I don't know if I feel comfortable out there. I don't speak the language very well and I get lost easily."
He walked around the counter and held his hand out to me. I couldn't help but stare into his oddly colored eyes as he said, "If you like, I would be happy to accompany you around the city. I am Airic. And you are...?"
"Kala. Kala Morgan."
*****
This past week with Airic has been heaven. We have been sightseeing, out to dinner, and even attended a beautiful cultural show. I wanted to spend my last day in Taiwan relaxing, so I have been poolside all day. I agreed to meet Airic in my room after dinner. He arrives and finds me, still in my bathing suit, attempting to make a white wine sangria.
"Please, Kala, allow me." I can't help but to stare at his hands as he slices the oranges to perfection. He could be a chef if he wanted to, but tonight, I'm just glad he's spending time with me.
"Want to drink these on the balcony?"
I jump a little as his voice pulls me out of my reverie. I can't quite put my finger on his accent. Faintly European or very posh and proper American? Who cares? One look into his gunmetal blue eyes as he speaks leaches all of my stress away. "Um, yeah. The balcony would be nice."
Airic hands me my glass and follows me to the balcony. Since this is our last night alone, I guess I'll ask him everything that's been running through my mind since we first met.
"Airic?"
"Yes, Kala."
"Where are you from? I mean, like, I can't catch your accent."
"Well...I was born in Japan, but I received my education in Germany and Canada."
"Oh. I can hear it a little now. The Canada... Canadia... Canadian accent or whatever."
Airic just smiles and walks toward me. He must be about 5'10" because I'm 5'8" and I can almost face him eye to eye. Eye to cool, calm, blue-grey eyes...
"Can I show you something, Kala?"
"Sure," I say as he turns away and leans on the railing and stares up at the sky.
"If you look to the stars tonight, you can see the planet Mars."
I move to stand beside him, peering into the twinkling darkness. "Where?"
He steps closer to me and guides me toward the railing, pointing in the direction I should be looking. "Here. To the left. The star that gives off a red-orange glow." His hand gently falls to rest on the small of my exposed back.
"Oh! Your hands are cold!" I yelp as I grab the railing in surprise.
"I apologize, Kala." I will warm them for you."
"No worries, Airic. I'm fine." I look into those eyes once again and notice a flicker of what looks like thought as he calculates his next move. "I should be getting to sleep soon. Busy day tomorrow, you know?"
"Would you like to hear some music to help you sleep?'
"Ocean sounds would be nice, please." I begin to gather my things for my nighttime routine as I listen to him speak in that faint accent...
"A.I.R.I.C. Room 308. Deactivate 'Balcony Hologram 7'... Play 'Ocean Sounds for Deep Sleep'... Wake up call 8 A.M.
I will bring you breakfast at 9 A.M., Kala."
"Thank you, Airic. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
As the waves crash and the seagulls' lullaby send me adrift to dreamland, all I can think is that more hotels should have Artificial Intelligence Resort Interest Companions.
